Healthy Kale Pesto Pasta
Healthy Kale Pesto Pasta is a dish that hides the fact that it’s good for you. The pasta and cheese are welcoming, and the cheery tomatoes divine!
Healthy Kale Pesto Pasta
For other pesto-love make sure to try my Pesto Stuffed Chicken.
I’m relatively stubborn when it comes to trying new foods. So, when I started hearing a ton about kale and its health benefits, I ignored it for the longest time.
But then, everywhere I looked it was all about the kale, kale, kale. KALE!
So, I thought I’d better give it a try, or else I should stop nagging the kids to always try something once before dismissing it a big fat NO. After all, you gotta say as you do and do what you say right?
Yet, I wasn’t about to buy some kale and chow down as is, or have it as a main quite yet. So, I decided the best approach to give it a fair shot, was to try it in something I loved. baby steps, people.
So, I added kale to pasta, since I’m a die-hard pasta fanatic.
And if you love this recipe, you also need to check out my easy Spinach Cashew Pesto!
Healthy Kale Pesto Pasta is one of those dishes that hides the fact that it’s good for you. The pasta and cheese are welcoming with that hint of kale whispering in the background. In other words, baby steps complete.
This Kale Pesto is perfect served over chicken or fish as well. If you want to add protein to this dish, bake some chicken breasts or salmon and serve alongside the pasta. So, it’s a main but also a side when paired with protein, which I always like to do.
Bottom line? Instead of crinkling my nose and keeping my feet planted in a firm stance, I’m now open to trying more recipes with kale.
Perhaps there’s a reason for the kale-kraze? My stubborn ways are breaking one day at a time …
What Kale recipes do you love?
Healthy Kale Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 10 ounces fresh kale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp miso paste
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast {this can be found in the bulk section of a natural foods store (this is not baking yeast. It can also be omitted if you wish})
- â…› tsp salt
- â…› tsp black pepper
- 1 package whole wheat {or regular} bow tie noodles
- 15 cherry tomatoes (halved)
- parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While cooking pasta, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice water; set aside.
- Place kale into boiling water for 30 seconds, remove and plunge into ice water bath for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove kale from water, squeezing extra water out with hands.
- Place kale into the bowl of a food processor. Add olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to bowl and pulse until well combined.
- Add miso paste, garlic, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast; process for 1 minute, scrape down sides, process again for 30 seconds.
- Drain pasta, and place into a serving bowl.
- Add kale pesto; gently fold into pasta using a spatula or wooden spoon. Add cherry tomatoes; gently fold into pasta until coated.
- Garnish with parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
- Enjoy!
What a great way to get in the veggies. I so need to make this for my kids to sneak the veggies in!
We got lucky in that the kiddo actually loves kale! I was surprised but happy. I’m going to try this. Looks like a nice healthy twist on typical pasta salads!
This looks and sounds amazing. I can’t wait to try this recipe.
Oh I love pesto and yet somehow never thought of using kale. Such a cool idea. May have to give it a try 🙂
You had me at kale, sold me on pesto! I can’t wait to try this on my menu next week!
I tried Kale once and I did not like it. There were big pieces in a salad. I like your approach and would like to try it again in a recipe with pasta. Great idea.
I’ve used kale in soups. Not only are the greens yummy in recipes but the plant itself is really pretty when it blooms in the fall.
That looks delicious…and colorful!
What a great way to get more veggies into your food!! I am going to haw to try this out with my kids thank you!
That looks really tasty and flavorful! It’s amazing the different ways kale can be used in recipes!
What an interesting take on a pesto dish! My husband is Italian and I think I’ll give it a try.
I love kale and have found many ways to use it but would have never thought to use it in pesto. What a yummy idea, will definitely have to try this!
Looks delicious! I’ve only had kale in a Dutch recipe called Boerenkool. It’s mashed potatoes and kale mixed together and it’s served with sausage. It’s a very hearty winter dish.
I love this combo – never tried kale in my pasta before and I love pesto!
I’ve NEVER tried kale before, but this seems like an easy way to give it a try – thanks for the great recipe!